PEORIA, Ill. — It’s time again to set The Big Table.
Whereas the first-ever such event, which took place in 2019, was a one-day in-person affair, the 2020 version will be spread out, via Zoom, over four days: Oct. 19-22.
Each day will have its own theme, with its own keynote speakers.
The Monday theme will be “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” Tuesday’s will be “Workforce and Education,” while Wednesday will focus on “Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” and the final day’s topic will be “Quality of Life and Place.”
The goal of The Big Table: Greater Peoria is “to generate a shared regional vision through a series of open, thoughtful conversations and an exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives,” according to the official news release.
“I can’t stress enough how excited I am to finally get to participate in The Big Table this year, and how vital I think the conversations that happen at The Big Table are to the future of this region,” said Joshua Gunn, President & CEO of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce & CEO Council.
“One of the most important things we can do is create the future we want for the Peoria region, and the conversations that will happen during The Big Table are going to create that future. We’re focused on creating the future that works for everyone in the Peoria region.
“One that is focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion. One that is building a culture of place that is not only attractive to talent from the outside, but that encourages our talent to stay here in the region.”
Gunn said the discussions that take place during the event lead to actions, which can be seen in “tangible initiatives,” like the Regional Workforce Alliance that has created the Greater Peoria Certification Program.
Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO J.D. Dalfonso said the 2020 Big Table is just as pivotal as the inaugural event, which drew 700 people.
“This community and this region have become quite innovative in how we’ve navigated COVID and the times we’re facing so far,” he said.
“That’s because COVID has forced us to be far more collaborative than I think we have been in the past, and in a great way. It’s forced a lot of organizations and entities to come together, and then also garner outside input from our residents and community members to be most innovative in the times to survive these uncharted waters.”
The event is spearheaded by multiple area Chambers of Commerce, including those of Peoria, Morton, East Peoria, Pekin Chamber of Commerce, Washington, and Peoria Heights, in addition to other regional bodies like the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Peoria Hispanic Chamber, and Black Business Alliance.
The event is free and open to all community members, but registration is required.
